Category Archives: drinks

Green Monkey Lactation Smoothie

green monkey lactation smoothie | bloom & nourishSome of you know, but others may not realize that along with loving good food, I am also a birth doula and a holistic health counselor, focused on supporting women during the childbearing years.  For a few years now, I have been passionate about helping mamas and mamas-to-be, ensuring they are getting the education and support they need while pregnant, breastfeeding, or prepping for pregnancy.  I feel it an honor to work with women and their families during such an intimate and beautiful time of their lives.  So if you see a little bit more of a focus towards pregnancy, and the like, that is why.  Don’t worry, I’ll still be posting delicious recipes for everyone, but some may have a bit more of a focus towards nourishing nutrients for mama and baby.  If you have any questions, or are interested in how I can support you, as a mama or mama-to-be, feel free to shoot me a message!

green monkey lactation smoothie | bloom & nourish

What mom doesn’t need a little more energy after having a baby?  This smoothie is an easy and delicious way to boost your energy, as well as your breastmilk supply.  Essential fatty acids, such as coconut oil and nuts, and foods high in omega 3, like flax seeds, increase your energy and milk supply.  Spinach, high in phytoestrogens, promotes healthy breast tissue and lactation, and this smoothie is an easy way of incorporating those greens into your daily routine.  Did you know healthy fats, like coconut oil, have some of the highest concentrations of energy out of all nutrients?  Fat is also essential for hormone production, which will help your body produce a fattier, more nutritious breastmilk for baby.  Drink up! It’s delicious way to start your day, whether you are lactating or not. Continue reading

DIY: Homemade Kombucha + Gut Health

diy homemade kombucha | bloom & nourish

I have been making kombucha for a couple of years now, and I love that I always have some on hand whenever I want a refreshing drink and a good boost of probiotics.  If you know me, you probably know I am a big proponent of probiotics, especially from fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, etc.  Good bacteria is essential to our health.  Did you know that 70-80% of our immune system is located in our gut? That’s pretty huge! Even more of a reason to be mindful of what we are putting into our bodies.  Probiotics, or good bacteria, kill off bad bacteria that are hanging out in our intestine, which leads to a more balanced gut, and in turn a stronger immune system.  Probiotics have also been shown to decrease inflammation in the body (think arthritis, asthma, Chrohn’s disease).  What’s really interesting to me is how a woman’s gut health during pregnancy and birth can influence the health of her child.  All the more reason to drink up this fizzy drink! Continue reading